Research and analysis

Grade Composition and Selectivity of Haddock in ICES VII b-k

Report on fish landings by size grade into ports in south west England and the results of selectivity trials of different trawl designs.

From:
Marine Management Organisation
Published
15 September 2014

This publication was withdrawn on

Withdrawn in line with EU Exit & operability guidance

Documents

Grade Composition and Selectivity of ICES VII b-k Haddock in the South West Otter-Trawl Fishery

PDF, 616 KB, 25 pages

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Details

Haddock is due to become subject to an EU landing obligation, where all catches will have to be landed and counted against quota. This means fishermen will no longer be able to discard to remain within quota limits and continue fishing.

The study looks at landings of fish by size grade into English ports in the south west, which is considered to be indicative of a high level of discarding through quota restriction.

It also includes the results of trials by fishermen of different trawl designs which have dramatically reduced overall haddock catches across all size ranges.

The study suggests that the modifications to the trawl are able to reduce overall fishing mortality of juvenile and mature haddock whilst maintaining a profitable catch of other quota species, although further evidence is required to fully assess the commercial impact of such measures.

Published 15 September 2014

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